Leaders in higher education from Texas and Mexico will sign an agreement on Thursday, February 5, 2004 to help develop a regional workforce education policy and promote the continuous collaboration among Texas Community Colleges and the Universidades Tecnologicas in the Northeast of Mexico. The signing ceremony will take place at Austin Commmunity College, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, room 502 at 2:30.

Representatives from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Association of Community Colleges and the Coordinacion General de Universidades Tecnologicas from Mexico will be signing the agreement.

The groups have come together with the purpose of training a qualified and competent workforce capable of working in a bi-national context. “Today’s signing marks an important moment in cross-border relations,” Secretary of State Geoff Connor said. “There’s no higher priority than ensuring education and opportunity for all our citizens, both in Texas and in Mexico. The Border Region Initiative for Distance and Global Education will help ensure that students have access and opportunity to achieve their personal and professional dreams.”

The groups have come together to promote faculty and staff exchanges and collaborations, to prepare students, faculty and staff for international learning, cultural and academic experiences, and to utilize Distance Education and Instructional Technologies programs.

Additionally, the partnership intends to continue promoting a healthy and strong international relationship with industry and business, establish collaborative efforts in Workforce development, and to promote developing a bi-national Higher Education Process.